The clock is ticking down to the inaugural Baku World Challenge by Aztexnika which will be held during the weekend of 18-20 October. The final rounds of the 2013 FIA GT Series will provide a dazzling spectacle on a brand new 4kms street circuit that will race past some of the Azerbaijani capital city’s most famous landmarks.
With just over a month to go to this new and unique event in one of the world’s most vibrant and fastest-growing cities, the promoters and organisers have today announced live television coverage of the main race, to be shown on Eurosport at 10.40cet on 20th October.
The sprint format of 60-minute races in the FIA GT Series guarantees exciting and close racing throughout the field and with multiple GT brands battling for supremacy, the Baku World Challenge by Aztexnika will be a must-see event on the challenging bespoke circuit around the Baku city streets.
The event is set to wow a massive crowd in Baku where the cars will blast past the Crystal Hall, which hosted the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest and, the famous Azerbaijan flag which is the largest national flag in the world to permanently fly. Introducing added spice, the world’s best GT drivers and teams will be racing for an enviable purse that totals €175,000!
Entrants will also receive a €20,000 start package and have their travel, accommodation and catering requirements taken care of. With Azerbaijan now strongly established as a progressive and thriving business centre there are few places better for Business to Business opportunities and future economic potential. With a limited grid capacity of 30 cars close to reaching its limit, interested teams are advised to claim a place immediately.
As well as the regular FIA GT Series entrants there will also be invitational GT3 cars on the entry list. The first of these was announced last week as British GT Championship teams champions, Trackspeed announced that their Porsche 997 GT3 will make the trip to Azerbaijan with Danny Watts and Martin Ragginger on the driving strength. Further entries, including the champions from the Blancpain Endurance Series and British GT will be confirmed shortly.
In addition to the grand finale of a highly competitive 2013 FIA GT Series season, the Baku World Challenge weekend will also see F1 cars roar through the Baku streets, as a grid of Grand Prix cars from yesteryear, courtesy of the Historic Formula One series, thrill the crowds.
QUOTES
Stephane Ratel, Founder and CEO of SRO Motorsports Group Ltd
“There is always something extra special about racing GT cars around city centre streets. The sound, sight and smell is enhanced and makes everything more vivid. Live TV coverage of the main event and an expectation that at least some of the titles will still be up for grabs makes this a real mouth-watering prospect. The track in downtown Baku will be a real challenge for the drivers and a perfect way to sign off the 2013 FIA GT Series.
Thierry Boutsen, Baku World Challenge Special Ambassador
“Fans at the track, fans watching on TV and indeed the whole Azerbaijan nation will enjoy this truly spectacular event. I know Azerbaijan well from business activities and the whole country will embrace this spectacle. I am proud to have been part of the genesis of the event and will be in attendance to see the conclusion to a lot of hard work to make a unique and exciting ambience. Do not miss the 2013 Baku World Challenge by Aztexnika.”
Jean-François Chaumont, Event Promoters Baku World Challenge
“The idea of the Baku World Challenge was first conceived in November 2012, following a phone-call from ex-F1 driver, Thierry Boutsen. He asked me to come to see him because he had something to show me – it was the idea of a race in the capital of Azerbaijan – Baku.
When I went to Baku I discovered a city on the water’s edge, and its lights blew me away, such a magical world of colour. It was like a Monaco times ten in terms of grandeur. Every time I go back, I discover evermore-interesting facets and human values through the relationships that I have forged with the people there. In two words – it’s magical!”